Guwahati: Environmental responsibility, national security and the role of young citizens took centre stage at a programme organised by the Air Force NCC Unit of Gauhati University under the 50 Assam Air Squadron NCC on August 25.
The programme, held at the New Conference Hall of the Department of Botany, Gauhati University, was organised under the Governor of Assam’s Rashtriya Suraksha Protsahan Yojana. The event brought together NCC cadets and members of the university community for discussions and activities centred on responsible citizenship and nation building.
The programme was led by Dr. Hemen Kumar Kalita, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Associate NCC Officer of the Gauhati University Air Force NCC unit. Gauhati University’s official NCC information identifies Dr. Kalita as the Associate NCC Officer of the 50 Assam Air Squadron NCC and notes that he was the first Flying Officer commissioned into the Indian Air Force from Gauhati University.
Focus on climate change and responsible citizenship
A key session of the programme featured a talk by Dr. Bandana Chowdhury, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, on “Climate Change and Responsible Citizenship.”
The session highlighted the importance of environmental awareness and individual responsibility in responding to climate-related challenges. Dr. Chowdhury’s current profile on the Gauhati University website confirms her position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, with research interests including environmental economics.
The event also included an essay competition on “The Role of NCC in Nation Building and National Security.” Around 150 NCC cadets from colleges and universities across Assam participated in the competition.
The entries were judged by Dr. Ritwik Rupam Sarma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Gauhati University. The university’s faculty profile confirms his designation and department.
An open quiz was conducted following the essay competition, adding an interactive element to the programme and encouraging the cadets to engage with issues related to national security, citizenship and contemporary challenges.
University officials attend programme
Prof. Utpal Sarma, Registrar of Gauhati University, attended the programme as the chief guest. The university’s official website confirms Prof. Sarma’s current position as Registrar, a post he has held since June 2025.
Other officials present included Dr. Ranjan Kumar Kakati, Secretary of University Classes, and Prof. Kumananda Tayung, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor & Head of the Department of Botany. Recent reports and Gauhati University sources confirm Dr. Kakati’s appointment as Secretary of University Classes in June 2026, while the university’s current administration pages list Prof. Tayung as Dean of Science and Head of Botany.
The programme provided NCC cadets with an opportunity to reflect on the connection between environmental responsibility, national security and active citizenship. The discussions and competitions also sought to encourage students to view their responsibilities beyond the classroom and contribute constructively to society.
The initiative underlines the role of NCC activities in developing discipline, leadership and a sense of national service among young people. Gauhati University describes the NCC as a programme focused on developing discipline, leadership, character and national service, with the motto “Unity and Discipline.”
